The End of Impunity Era for Doctors?

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/11/29/your-letters-the-end-impunity-doctors.html

Following the arrest of their fellow practitioners over malpractice charges by the Supreme Court’s ruling stemming from the death of a young mother during a ceasarian section, waves of protests sent ripples throughout the nation. The medical community staged a rally to support their fellow members, demanding the ruling to be reviewed and the doctors be freed immediately.

They feared the verdict would provide legal basis to criminalize doctors if a patient dies in spite of their best efforts to uphold the highest standard of ethical conduct to save patients’ life. For that reason, they were demanding legal certainty and security while carrying out their medical practices.

The Supreme Court found the three doctors; Dewa Ayu Sasiary Prawani, Hendy Siagian and Hendry Simanjuntak, guilty of negligence resulting in death and sentenced them to ten months in prison. They failed to receive the written consent of the family or patient before conducting the surgery. It was the duty of doctors to warn patients and families of known risks of a procedure or course of treatment, popularly known as the duty of informed consent. Further aggravated err; they forgot to check the patient’s vital signs with an electrocardiogram (EKG).

In their defense, they argued they had done their best efforts to save both mother and child. Sadly, the mother died of heart failure by a gas embolism. There was obviously a difference between deliberate acts of malice and non-intentional mistakes, even though the outcome is fatal in both cases.

They tried to save life, and not to take it. This difference means that they should be treated completely differently and not be criminalized. The case criminally charging the doctors over an error in administrative procedures is feared to drive doctors away from the practice of medicine or interfere with patient treatment and safety, some argued.

As a result, the prospect of going to jail for something they did while trying their best to treat a patient, will affect treatment decisions and hinder improvements in care.

Meanwhile, some legal experts say the verdict is a way to root out harmful errors. It’s also handed down by a judge with high judicial integrity whose decisions are perceived as accountable and just.

This is to say that the professional class of doctors do no longer possess any impunities if found guilty of negligence and malpractices towards patients and which leads to a trial in a court of law.

In addition, most patients do not have the knowledge to notice whether doctors have properly diagnosed or treated their illnesses. Some have the courage to lodge malpractices allegations, and end up waiting to settle out the court. But many just accepted their ‘fate’ as the will of God.

Consequently, most cases of malpractices went unpunished because some said due to “the conspiracy of silence “demonstrated by doctors. That is almost gives the medical professionals with impunity. Hence, the ruling is extremely rare and possibly unprecedented in the medical community in this nation.

Nonetheless, the growing unrest among medical community is perfectly understandable as medical negligence or misadventure was and still remains a serious concern all over the world, including in the developed countries. As in the case of euthanasia and abortion, these problems have been one of the most debatable issues of controversy in the United States and other developed countries over the past decades. It is not just a medical ethical problem, but also having legal, philosophical, religious and political dimension.  

For me personally, I have mixed feeling towards this uproar. I have my own bad and good experience toward doctors. Many do their job great. The patients’ well-being and life is their number one priority. Only few dare to perform reckless medical decision-making, and if such happenstance takes place, it usually relates to financial circumstance; the poor uninsured patient often receives poor-service.

Recently my dad was admitted to the intensive care unit at our local hospital in Solo in the dead of night due to hemorrhagic strokes (bleeds) resulted from a weakened vessel that ruptures and bleeds into the surrounding brain. His whole body paralyzed. He suffered difficulty to breathe due to lack of oxygen flowing to his brain. He was pale as a corpse.

Once he was admitted to an emergency room. The health personnel there without delay provided their best health care treatment to save his life. Once, he was stabilized, the nurse escorted my family to settle the administrative and financial procedures for the next stage of an in-patient admission.

“Saving life priority over financial hurdle” demonstrated by these health personnel had saved my dad’s life.

Another completely opposite story disclosed by one of my colleagues. His father suffered similar attack. Yet, before admitted to the ER, the health personnel requested him to provide legal guarantee of who would cover the medical expenses. Once this was settled, then the patient was treated accordingly.

Many poor families do not have such basic needs of health access due to financial constraints. Often, such patients lose their life unnecessarily because they do not receive proper medical treatment they urgently need. “Financial provision is above the life saving policy.”

So, in my opinion, the verdict of criminally charging the doctors can be a good start to advocate for legislative reforms to define criminal conduct and prohibit the criminalization of health care decisions made in good faith, including cases involving allegations of medical malpractice.

The rules should be clarified. If malpractice is discovered, they should be punished accordingly. And if they had worked in accordance with the high standard medical procedures, then they should walk free.

In Pursuit of Happiness over Promotion

I was struck by my friend’s plain matter-fact question related to promotion over lunch. I slightly raised an eyebrow.

“I have been working head to toe for about eight years with absolutely nothing to show for it. I thought that would secure me a promotion as a reward. But look at me now, still miserably at the same old spot. What have I done wrong? Was it because I come from second class job career path?” He blurted out in anger, then slumped down into the chair. His shoulders slumped forward in disappointment.

I held my breath, thinking to say something genius or just trying to find ‘proper words’ as not to offend him. I offered him a look of sympathy. In the end, words failed to materialize and we lost in our own thoughts.

He is one of the many people graduating from college with idealistic notions that being brilliant at college, then great at job would guarantee them a place in the corporate sun with their company. Reality often feels like a slap on the face.

He failed to notice that promotion is a tricky mix of advanced interpersonal skills, self-marketing, competent work, responsibility, strategy and sometimes ‘connection’. Missing any of these elements, you might end up working for ages for a company and never receive the promotion you deserve.

Being great is not enough. I know he’s great at what’s he’s doing, surpassing his team’s expectation. Unfortunately, he lacks of advanced interpersonal skills and rarely markets himself. Consequently, he becomes a shining diamond in the deepest end of the ocean. No one notices him, as he never comes to the surface of the deep ocean.

Another friend of mine had promotion recently. Oddly, she was not happy at all about it. She stubbornly said she wish she could turn back the hand of time.

“Congratulations! You’ve been promoted! Oh… um, by the way, we’re sorry we’re not going to pay you another nickel, even as you take greater responsibilities, work longer hours!” She said cynically, a flicker of fire lit in her black coal eyes.

I gaped in surprised. My jaw dropped. Are you kidding me? Seriously?

She rolled her eyes, annoyed and irritated.

I recollected myself and smiled awkwardly before giving her a sympathetic friendly embrace.

I view this jarring scenario as having an air of unreality about it. It’s hard to believe that something like this is happening. Then, a bitter recollection emerged on the surface of my consciousness. I have suffered similar scenario, well although it was not as tragic as that of my friend.

So, I should have known. It’s an ordinary reality. With so many workers running scared these days and job seekers flutter around in abundance, promotion-without-a-raise is a gambit some are forced to reckon with.  

Recounting these two tales, I smile lightly. I always have this silly motto that often invite criticism and skepticism from my colleagues, “I don’t want to go after promotion as long as I have decent job to feed my family and a handful of smiles from friends that keep me happyJ. Do the best and let God do the rest.”

They called me a pessimist, having no big dream at work. In my defense, I told them I was more interested to pursue happiness over promotion.

 Getting my head bald for working tirelessly to get promotion is absolutely not in my list . It’s enough having spent most of my precious time on clogged streets. There’s no room left for frustration of such silly promotion, lol. What matters is landing on the job I love that I’ll never have to work a day in my life, lol.

I remember once a renowned Indonesian author of short stories, essays, and movie scripts, Seno Gumira Ajidarma, said in his “Menjadi Tua di Jakarta” (Becoming Old in Jakarta):

"Alangkah mengerikannya menjadi tua dengan kenangan masa muda yang hanya berisi kemacetan jalan, ketakutan datang terlambat ke kantor, tugas-tugas rutin yang tidak menggugah semangat, dan kehidupan seperti mesin, yang hanya akan berakhir dengan pensiun tidak seberapa." 

"How terrible it would be to grow old with memories contains only road congestion, fear of coming late to the office, soulless routine tasks, and  a machine-like life, and  only end up with meager pensions."

Blood for Life

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/11/01/citizen-journalism-let-s-donate-blood.html

Arriving early this morning, I saw hundreds of people lining up to donate blood. There was a spark of joy in their eyes, full of enthusiasm to save life. Despite the long queue, they seemed eager to contribute.

Ibu Ani was one of dozens of volunteers who participated in the three-day blood donation event held by Bank Indonesia annually, in cooperation with the Indonesian Red Cross (PMI). She said it was her second time to donate blood. Asked the reason, she said it was the least act of charity she could make, a noble cause to save life.

“First time, I was afraid it would hurt and affect my health. To my surprise, it was easy and painless. I felt healthier afterwards. And I always get a goodie bag in return.” 

I knew the organizing committee always offered attractive gifts to attract more donors, from cheap smartphones to traveling bags. It is always a great success. 

According to the PMI, there is always a constant lack of blood despite the vigorous campaigns for blood donation. Indonesia needs to recruit more that 4.8 million regular blood donors annually, about 2 percent of the total population. However, only 3.5 million blood donations can be collected on a regular basis because so few people are aware of the importance of giving blood. 

This leaves a staggering shortfall of 1.3 million donors-worth of blood supply, preventing a substantial amount of life-saving blood transfusions. The PMI along with various institutions hold blood drives regularly to cope with the shortage. 

Blood centers around the country are increasingly relying on small tokens of appreciation — gift cards or goodie bags — to entice blood donors. At a time when fewer people are giving blood, these gifts can often lead to more donations, at least in the short term. 

I remember three years ago, my cousin suffered a severe hemorrhage after giving birth to a baby girl. Her face was ashen-white, as if a ferocious vampire had drained her blood.

Her doctor said she needed a blood transfusion immediately at least five ampoules (blood bags). The hospital could only provide three ampoules so we needed to immediately find blood donors to make up the shortfall.

Thank God, my aunt had a matching blood type. Some of the neighbors also volunteered to donate. It was a critical situation of life and death. We still regard it a miracle to get her back alive after such a crisis. It was indeed a gift of life. The experience relates to the idea that saving a life without doubt incites a feeling of heroism. 

In addition, the success of major medical operations is not without the essential, though often overlooked foundation: blood donors. What’s more is that research findings have discovered donating blood can help reduce the risk of heart attacks and cancer; and be beneficial for weight watchers as people burn up 650 calories with every pint donated.

The Achilles’ Heel of Political Dynasty

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/10/21/your-letters-the-achilles-heel-political-dynasties.html

 The recent arrest of Tubagus Chaeri Wardhana, the younger brother of Banten Governor Ratu Atut Chosiyah, along with disgraced Constitutional Court chief justice Akil Mochtar on allegations of widespread election rigging, has fueled a heated debate on political dynasty. The arrest has exposed how Atut’s family ferociously takes reign over Banten, politically and economically. 

At least five regencies and municipalities in the province come under the family’s control. Her husband, her brother, her sister-in-law, her daughter-in-law, her stepsister, her stepbrother, and her eldest son respectively hold key political posts in the province.

I have to shake my head in utter amazement on how the family succeeds to wrap up their long nasty creepy tentacles on the region. Further, a sensational rumor has it that a gang of jawara and black magic protects the family.

Whoosh, I could feel the hair stand up on the back of my neck!

Totally creepy! If I lived in the province, I should be extra careful not to mess around with the family.

My relatives who have been living in Serang confirmed that Jawara figure plays a key role in Banten, occupying an influent position and acting as an intermediary between Bantenese people and the political institutions. The jawara is not only a person who has traditional martial arts skills and granted powers by local shamans, but also deals with main business and political activities.

It’s not surprising at all that that Ratu Atut is the daughter of the revered jawara in Banten, H. Chasan Sochib, who played key role in the raising of the Djoko Munandar-Ratu Atut to lead Banten in 2002.

Atut’s rise to power marked the onset of the Chasan’s family increasingly dominated local politics in Banten. His power has enabled him to build massive political networks and strong financial muscle to support a run for political office, appointing many members of his family into strategic political positions, both at legislative and executive levels.

Guess what? That’s when the small octopus becomes a giant octopus having massive tentacles to get hold of power and wealth in Banten.

It’s a common knowledge that the business of being in politics is just a lucrative as a person who, from one generation to another, inherits and succeeds the profitable business conglomerate belonging to his forebears.

This is the essence of political dynasties – treating your political bailiwicks as your family business domain and passing the leadership and authority over these places in a sequential order from one generation to another.

The more the concentration of wealth, power and influence is in the family, the higher the chances of political dynasties to stay longer and get perpetuated.

Now, the family is under heavy public scrutiny. Their accumulated wealth is now on the grill. The Indonesia Corruption Watch (ICW) and the government’s Supreme Audit Agency (BPK) have released separate reports alleging severe budget misuse by Atut’s Banten government.

As investigators continue to unearth bad deeds and the unraveling of ill-gotten wealth or traditionally powerful liaisons, her administration has been allegedly fired to have committed embezzlement schemes, including the creation of more than a dozen fake or illegitimate organizations and billions stolen in marked-up public projects.

Gee, it shouldn’t have surprised me that history always repeats itself.

When Soeharto was dethroned by people’s power, one by one his faults were vulgarly exposed and put on display including rumors on black magic and shaman.

Yet, to our dismay, instead of learning from the past, these little kings and queens patronized the deposed President.

Don’t they should know better that if they live in a flashy luxurious life while most citizens live a hand to mouth, there must be something wrong in the system? That voices of the masses will eventually bring them down.

For that reason, the ferocity of some of the reactions this week had me thinking that they are justified. Something in the water is totally making us extra jumpy. These among many other such stories reinforce the idea that political dynasties are the Achilles heel to the basic right of citizens to decide whoever they entrust with the business of running their government.

Are political dynasties good or bad?

Well, in my personal point of view, political dynasties are not bad or good per se.

They can be good to the extent that they are serving the will and interests of the people. After all, many political dynasties are cast in positive light such as the Kennedys, Bushes, and Clintons in the USA; and Gandhi in India.

They can also be bad if they turn democracy into a fascist state believing and acting as if they are the sole authority always above the law without moral limits, feeling so superior all in the pursuit of power. I think the Filipinos and Syrians have had enough of these.

Unfortunately, most of our political dynasties have become corruptive and collusive along the way, filling their empires filled with treasures of the country’s wealth and most precious resources. Power and control make a man drunk: callous coarseness and depravity develop in him; believing they are ‘gods’.

Thus, each political dynasty should be viewed through its own unique lenses for its merits and demerits. It is is a very complicated issue. It’s very much similar to the antitrust proposal that seeks to regulate monopoly and/or unfair competition in the business sector when it’s very much clear that the source of monopoly and unfair competition is the government itself and its protectionist policies and regulations.

In keeping up with political dynasties, we must take heed of President Franklin D. Roosevelt’s words as he said, "The liberty of a democracy is not safe if the people tolerate the growth of private power to the point where it becomes stronger than the democratic state itself. That in its essence is fascism; ownership of government by an individual, by a group or any controlling private power."

The Constitutional Court on the Brink

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/10/08/your-letters-the-constitutional-court-brink.html

I was shocked and appalled at recent arrest of the Constitutional Court’s chief justice on suspicion of taking bribes worth more than $250,000 to fix a case hearing. The further findings of marijuana and ecstasy pills at his office sickened my stomach again. The last bastion of justice, which has enjoyed rare high public trust almost as good as the Corruption Eradication Commission (KPK) is now on the brink of free fall if not immediately saved.

It seems the nature of change, once the tempo picks up, is that one drama follows another until several can be happening at the same time. Unfortunately, instead of slowing down, allowing us some respite; the saga continues with more climaxes and pinnacles to drain our energy, leaving us all exhausted and worn out.

Oh yes, the saga of corruption seems increasingly occupy our screens! It’s like watching a bad sinetron one over another on daily basis. Endless and frustrating!

The scandalous arrest makes it the second time in three months that the KPK has pursued the top official within the supposedly clean and prestigious institutions, after nailing down the chairman of the upstream petroleum regulator SKK Migas.

Well done KPK!

This nation without a doubt needs KPK to keep hammering down these corruptive rats that set our nation into limbo.

Yet along the successful arrest, one fundamental question remains unanswered. Is there still any trustworthy judiciary institution we can look up to with trust and integrity aside from KPK?

The Constitutional Court is the last place Indonesians can go to for legal redress involving all manner of issues. Under Mahfud MD, the court has received high respect for its integrity and independence, recorded many achievements settling various legal controversies from election disputes, questionable laws, to the rights of children born out of wedlock. 

Alas! The recent expose of criminal activity in this prestigious judiciary body has cast a dark cloud to the rest of the society. In line with the “broken window theory”, dishonest judge can induce honest judge and citizen to try to become even more corrupt. This may start a downward spiral of ever-increasing lawlessness if the actions to eradicate misconducts in the judicial system not taken immediately.

We still remember the disgrace Chief Justice once said confidently that those accused of corruption should have their assets seized and their fingers cut off. Asked by journalist of this statement, without any second thought he slapped the him hard on the face. A vulgar display of his immature and emotional character. 

The funny thing is how on the first place, he was ever elected as the Chief Justice by our lawmakers in the House over public outcries that he once implicated in a graft case in 2011. We “the people” elect individuals we somehow believe will be honest and have a bit of integrity.  

Oh, what fools we are!

Corrupt politicians, lawmakers, law enforcers, state officials steal from us and flash Cheshire cat smiles right in front of our face. One after another is being dragged and arrested with corrupt practices.  Bribery is so deep rooted so chronic most people take it as a normal business expense. Corruption has become an integral part of the system.

A belief that they will not be caught and that even if caught, punishment will be light keeps tempting them to follow their colleagues’ shoes. Either they are fools or too greedy for power and money.

This is an outrage. These greedy, money-hungry thieves should be punished severely for their crimes because they have destroyed the public trust. The penalty should provide a deterrent effect.

Well…. Capital punishmennt is out of question so perhaps the idea of the disgrace Chief Justice of seizing all the assets and cutting off the fingers is NOT a bad idea.

The harm has be done though. It makes us realize that judiciary corruption is far deeper and more extensive.

For that reason, the public trust on the judiciary bodies needs to be restored immediately. Rigged courts, bribed judges, phony trials, extortion by lawmakers should be eradicated, burnt down up to its roots. Those who are guilty should receive the highest sanction possible.

Related institutions should help to establish a clean judicial system to deter corrupt practices as corrupt judiciary encourages even greater corruption. Corruption normally thrives in societies where ethical and moral standards are weak and where punishment is lenient.

The law should stop the judiciary bodies from destroying their selves with greed and stupidity. Judicial reforms should be immediately imposed regarding judge gratuities and the code of ethics, performance standards for judges, or judge accountability, and legislative oversight of judges.

And we, the people, should keep standing strong and tall with KPK with its endless task to combat corruption. It’s the one standing institution so far with trust and integrity.

May God speed and save our nation from limbo.

Defying Religious Intolerance

http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/10/03/your-letters-defying-religious-intolerance.html

Intolerance is an infantile thing. It’s the measles of mankind be it in the form of religion, race or skin color.

The recent protest over the appointment of a Christian subdistrict head in Lenteng Agung of South Jakarta, highlighted again and again the growing religious intolerance in our country. It brings to light how such disease has become a dangerous plague, if not properly cured. Bigotry has been on the loose for far too long. This pandemic needs vaccination programs before infected more and more people.

The greatest irony of all, while the president had been lauded with the World Statesman Award, the pandemic seems getting worse. Although he has publicly supported religious tolerance, members of his cabinet often send conflicting messages on the issue. They succumb too often to public pressures in the disguise of religion.

It is disheartening to hear the Home Minister requesting the Jakarta Governor to remove Susan Jasmine Zulkifli from her post due to her being a Christian in a Muslim-majority community while he is fully aware that her appointment is official, legal and lawful under our Constitution. He has bowed down to irrational public demand cloaked with bigotry.

Like all populists, the minister knows that his views play well with the mainstream majority. For that reason, intolerance has rooted deeply in our society since it is groomed and nourished by our own leaders.

Worse, the rejection does not reflect the whole aspiration of the people in the region as many accept Susan despite her religion, giving her the chance to prove that she’s worth the post. The protest is allegedly masterminded by her rivals who lost in the race, using religion for purely political reasons to attack and discredit opponents in order to regain lost support.

On top of that, the protestors bluntly voiced their refusal of the female Christian leader solely due to her religion and not her performance. This is totally unacceptable. Islam has a proud tradition of tolerance and peace, and not the other way around.

Public servants are selected to serve all citizens, regardless of race, skin color or religion. Indonesia’s constitution guarantees religious freedom and equality, male or female. All stand equal and has the same rights to be elected and appointed as public officials including Susan.

Despite the odds, I exhale in relief to learn that DKI Jakarta Governor Joko Widodo (Jokowi) and his Deputy stand firm to defy the absurd and groundless request. They have the nerves to reiterate that they would not replace Susan of her religion. They chose their subordinates based on their credibility and performance, instead of race, gender or religion.

They would evaluate her performance as per the administration’s policy. They would open a dialogue, but not tolerate any move by force or pressures.

What a brave move!

It’s another fearless move by the duo that has successfully relocated street vendors from Tanah Abang to Blok G, even going face to face with the street thugs.

Many have high regard for such leaders who do not allow bigotry and hatred to rule over the society. Public officials across the nation should follow this good lead. It takes courage and guts to defend what’s right amid the democratic euphoria. Afterall, democracy does not mean that we ride roughshod over our Constitution.

It is a step closer to find the remedy for the plague. Leaders of this nation should stand firm to hold and defend the Constitution despite mounting pressures. Any act of intolerance and prejudice over race, skin color, gender or religion should be discouraged and punished according to the law.

Last but not least, religious is totally not the root of the problem. The root cause of these man­-made problems is the inability of human beings to control their agitated minds.

Low Cost Green Cars on the Grill

http://m.thejakartapost.com/news/2013/09/28/your-letters-low-cost-green-cars-grill.html

My husband and I were waiting impatiently for the 21st Indonesia International Motor Show (IIMS) 2013 to kick off at the Jakarta International Expo Kemayoran, Central Jakarta last Thursday. With theme “Smart Vehicle Mobility”, we were anxious to see the eco-friendly cars took center stage. It’s been awhile since we wish to replace our obsolete car with the affordable low cost green cars (LCGC).

After all who doesn’t want to get ‘cheap’ car while helping the environmental cause at the same time? Less carbon less toxic air! It’s a good cause helping our beloved atmosphere to breathe easily, isn’t it?

Not to mention that fuel and energy efficiency are in the entire nation’s interest, considering that they are one of the crucial elements constantly blamed for this nation’s latest current account deficit problem. It is in the economic interest because the less fuel consumed the lower current account deficit we suffer.

In addition, as the VP Boediono had elaborated that the automotive sector is a strategic industry that can support three pillars of the national industry namely added value, labor absorption and exports. It is also in the environmental interest because the less pollutants emitted the less damage to the environment.

The Arising Problem

The biggest concern however, do major big cities that have been going all out for a crusade against severe traffic gridlock need this policy anytime soon? Do these so-called LCGC serve their function well amid clogged roads throughout the cities?

I am afraid if the policy was carried out anytime soon, it would result in counter-productive result: worsening nightmarish traffic congestion and less fuel and energy efficiency.

Worsening Gridlock

As announced, the government would provide fiscal incentives including tax reduction for LCGC producers that would provide affordable cars for low-and middle class people. The favorable tax breaks have quickly encouraged Toyota and Daihatsu to join Honda to launch their eco-friendly models with price tag between Rp 76 million and Rp 120 million ($6,660-$10,500).

It means more and more people will swift from public vehicles to private ones. The Indonesian auto sales has surged 25% to a record in 2012, with some 1.1 million vehicles sold last year despite more stringent down payment requirements.

 Oh yeah, roughly 65% of sales of new cars are on credit, and for motorbikes, it may be even higher. This growth is worrisome. To avoid potential bubble in consumer credits, the central bank has applied loan to value and down payment regulation.

Nevertheless, this year automotive sales still looks set to keep growing strongly. The Indonesia Automotive Industry Association has forecast 2013 sales at 1.1 million vehicles. With automakers are now developing more LCGC for the domestic market, the sales might go double even more. More consumers will swap their two wheels for four wheels.

As a result, the number of cars would be massive and staggering, growing ten time times or perhaps dozens faster than the roads they roll on. The prediction in 2009 that the Indonesian capital could experience total gridlock by 2014 might come sooner than expected.

Less Fuel and Energy Efficiency

With the prospect of hundreds of thousands of low-cost cars hitting the already polluted and over-crowded roads around Jakarta and other big cities, many environmentalists are dreading the ghastly consequences. The popular Jakarta Governor Joko “Jokowi” Widodo, has also voiced his concern over this LCGC promotion.

Without LCGC, severe clogged roads already paralyze Jakarta with the sheer number of the cars and motorcycles around. The problem has burdened the city with massive cost in economics and health loss. It is a plague Jokowi has vowed to tackle along the flood. Yet, the grim outlook of massive increase of cars flooding the streets, his task becomes the like of Sisyphus.

LCGCs may be more fuel-efficient than bigger cars, but they will still emit carbon and nitrogen oxide (NOx). If their numbers increased massively, that the term green cars would mean nothing because cumulative pollution would be higher than it is now. The sorcery surrounding LCGC stands to worsen public health and the environment rather than the intended opposite.

On top of that, increased cars mean increased fuel consumption. The nation already swallowed the bitterest pill by keep subsidizing fuel that burden the nation with current account deficit. If more and more people buy LCGCs, then the government should increase the fuel quota and more subsidies.

Promoting Affordable, Comfortable & Reliable Massive Public Transportation

Looking at this prospect, I am afraid the cost of LCGCs outweighs the benefits. In the current policy and regulatory framework, the low-cost cars will be disastrous.

In my personal opinion, prior to enrolling the policy, the government should first consult and coordinate with related parties; local governments, automotive industries, environmentalists, public policy experts and watchdogs among others. The policy should not contradict with that of local governments, which find reducing cars to combat traffic gridlock is indeed a pain in the ass.

Rather than promoting LCGC, the government should first support affordable, reliable, and comfortable public transportation. Tax incentives should be first given priorities to these public massive transportations to reduce the nightmarish traffic congestion. Only after this problem is tackled properly, then we can discuss about LCGC.